Although constitutionally illegal; induced abortion is a vital reproductive health option in Uganda. This paper analyses men's narratives about meanings of; and experiences with; abortion. Men play significant roles in abortion as instigators; facilitators; collaborators; transporters; advisors; informers; supporters or punishment givers. Many participants were knowledgeable about abortion. Attitudes were ambivalent; with initial reactions of denial and relegation of abortion to women's private domains. Further exploration; however; revealed active support and involvement of men. Interpretations of abortion ranged from 'dependable saviour' to 'deceptive sin'. Though a private action; abortion is socially scripted and often collectively determined by wider social networks of kinsmen; the community; peers; law and religion. A disjuncture exists between dominant public health discourse and the reality of local men who interact with women and girls as wives; lovers; sex sellers; mothers; daughters and sisters. Interventions targeting men about abortion should include safe sex education; provide safe abortion services and create stronger social support mechanisms. Policy and law should incorporate local knowledge and practice.

Although constitutionally illegal; induced abortion is a vital reproductive health option in Uganda. This paper analyses men's narratives about meanings of; and experiences with; abortion. Men play significant roles in abortion as instigators; facilitators; collaborators; transporters; advisors; informers; supporters or punishment givers. Many participants were knowledgeable about abortion. Attitudes were ambivalent; with initial reactions of denial and relegation of abortion to women's private domains. Further exploration; however; revealed active support and involvement of men. Interpretations of abortion ranged from 'dependable saviour' to 'deceptive sin'. Though a private action; abortion is socially scripted and often collectively determined by wider social networks of kinsmen; the community; peers; law and religion. A disjuncture exists between dominant public health discourse and the reality of local men who interact with women and girls as wives; lovers; sex sellers; mothers; daughters and sisters. Interventions targeting men about abortion should include safe sex education; provide safe abortion services and create stronger social support mechanisms. Policy and law should incorporate local knowledge and practice.